Captain America: The Winter Soldier review: How does it impact Infinity War?
By Mike McNulty
Credit: Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Pictures; from Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
What didn’t work?
As good as the twist with S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra is, the reveal of the Winter Soldier’s true identity lands with a thud. Even those unfamiliar with the story from the original comics where the film takes its inspiration, you can figure who he is right from the beginning. All you have to do is look at his eyes. And while who the Winter Soldier really is makes the conflict that much more personal, his inclusion also feels unnecessary.
Just as unnecessary is Sharon Carter, a.k.a. Agent 13 (Emily VanCamp). Yes, she’s Steve’s long-time love interest from the comics, but she might as well be a glorified extra. She makes passing mention of an aunt, but you’d never guess it’s Peggy from watching this film. Also, other than a moment where they flirt over laundry, nothing further happens between Steve and Sharon. The movie pays more attention towards Steve and Natasha’s relationship which, thankfully, is strictly friendship.
In addition, there’s a running gag made of Steve’s love life, or lack thereof, and Natasha suggesting possible women for Steve to date. It’s funny the first couple of times, but it’s starts becoming overplayed, almost on the verge of annoyance. That’s because, like other Marvel Studios films after Avengers, there’s a tendency by the screenwriters to go for the joke during otherwise suspenseful moments.
One other thing I didn’t care for, though it’s really a nitpick, was Cap’s S.H.I.E.L.D. costume. Yes, it’s more sleek and practical than the suit he wore in The Avengers, but it’s also generic and dull. Even if does make way for Steve re-donning his original suit from The First Avenger (in an obvious bit of symbolism), it’s still a product of modern superhero conventional wisdom that superhero costumes are “too silly” and not “unrealistic.” At least, the Russo’s would later find the right balance with Captain America: Civil War (2016).